Appreciations

Velupillai Murugesu

We remember Mr. Murugesu as a trustworthy, capable corporate lawyer.  We also knew of his involvement in spiritual activity.  Unlike in religion where the outward signs of pious worshipers are noticeable, spirituality is an effort at development inwardly. But little would be known of the individual’s endeavours and his inner progress.

Forty years ago the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother was not known in Sri Lanka except in a cursory way by a very few. Murugesu was responsible for the transformation of the Sri Aurobindo Society in Sri Lanka, from a social organisation to a solid base of a spiritual centre.

1972 was the birth centenary of Sri Aurobindo. The main Society in Pondicherry, at Mother’s behest, opened many branches in various states of India and in numerous other countries.  I was in Pondy for the centenary and was fortunate to have been given the responsibility of carrying Mother’s hand written blessing for the Sri Lankan Society that was being activated.  There were colourful characters taking a leading part in the Sri Lankan Society who wanted the patronage of politicians and people in high places to take leading roles in the committee.  The colourful start was deemed to fail and it did not take long for the inevitable. However, a few people kept the lamp lit and had meetings at their homes.

Much later, Mr. Murugesu played a lead role to transform the Society from a pseudo spiritual organisation to a vibrant living centre and gradually the Society took shape.

The Sri Aurobindo Centre in Sri Lanka was opened on February 21, 2001. Mr. Murugesu was solely responsible for the construction of the imposing building where the current society is located. He never took credit for it but said it is ‘Mother’s Grace’. The sincere devotion and tireless work of Mr. Murugesu not only brought about this magnificent edifice but he started an educational centre for students, a children play place, library, Hatha Yoga classes, had talks on Savitri during Satsang evenings and regular meditation.
Sraddhalu Ranade a nephew of Sri Pandit, who travels widely lecturing on Sri Aurobindo’s and the Mother’s teachings visited Sri Lanka during the opening of the Centre on Murugesu’s invitation and lectured in our new premises. By his attitude and commitment, Mr. Murugesu illustrated that he practised the philosophy he believed.

The force of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo is firmly established in the Centre and their presence is felt more palpably after the placement of Sri Aurobindo’s relics a few years ago. When the Spiritual consciousness descends on you inside the Centre’s meditation halls, there is a silent prayer of thank you that goes to him. Thank you, Mr. Murugesu.

Trustee of the Sri Aurobindo Centre (Sri Lanka)

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Fanny Fernando, Benita Silva

The Shepherd Is Gathering His Flock

Our dear Fanny, endowed with a rich, warm speaking voice, was even richer in the friends she acquired both here and abroad! They stood steadfast by her, to the bitter end!

In Fanny’s presence, we dare not speak a word against anyone at Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena. She would instantly speak in defence of the person concerned. We, her colleagues on the staff called Fanny “Defence Minister”. It was just one of those sterling qualities that Fanny Fernando possessed. She spent her later years on the staff of an international school, earning the title “Miss International”.

The Good Lord surrounded Fanny with absolutely wonderful friends both here and abroad who cared for her every need, until she met her Shepherd.

Benita Silva – “Ta” to her family members, and even to her close friends. I would like to list her among our “Golden Oldies” — one of the Silva sisters of the well known “Ja Muddukku Central”. Benita was also a distinguished member of the staff of Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena. She was a mother figure to us, as we could always approach her with our problems. Living in the vicinity of the school, her home was always open to us, whatever be our need. Leaving Kotahena for St. Martin’s Home, Thimbirigasyaya, to spend her latter years, she was lovingly cared for by the Rev. Sisters there. Benita was a hot favourite among her nieces and nephews. She was a fairy God mother to them.

May the Good Shepherd enfold Benita and Fanny in his loving arms.

Ranji Jayasinghe